A1114 – Food derived from Monsanto’s High Yield Corn Line MON87403: to seek approval for food derived from a genetically modified corn line MON87403 modified for increased yield for commercial planting purposes and livestock feed and food use.

MON87403 has been genetically engineered for increased ear biomass at an early reproductive phase compared to conventional corn.This alternation is achieved through expression of a truncated ATHB17 (Arabidopsis thaliana homeobox-leucine zipper protein 17) transcription factor encoded by the ATHB17 gene from Arabidopsis thaliana. When expressed in MON 87403 corn, the ATHB17 transcript is alternatively spliced to produce a variant of the ATHB17 protein lacking the N-terminal 113 amino acids. This variant is designated ATHB17Δ113.Monsanto proposes that ATHB17Δ113 alters the activity of endogenous homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-Zip) transcription factors that regulate ear growth.

These changes were developed through the use of recombinant DNA technology.[1]It is known that small RNA sequences can alter gene expression, most commonly by silencing genes.[2]While RNA is stable, it survives digestion and can affect gene expression in mammals that ingest it.This change in gene expression can be passed on to future generations.Genetic engineering technologies can introduce new DNA combinations and mutations, which increase the likelihood that harmful regulatory RNA will be accidentally produced.

PSGR urges that the 2016 Total Diet Study and all future studies should include testing for the presence of glyphosate, the active ingredient common to a range of propriety herbicides, including the most widely used internationally, Monsanto’s Roundup.

PSGR supports the members Bill that amends the Environmental Protection Authority Act 2011 (EPA Act) to add an additional objective that the organisation must aim to protect, maintain, and enhance New Zealand's environment.